page8 (1/2)

For the past several years Logan had acquired knowledge diligently, asking questions of artists and collectors, frequently traveling the Continent with virtuosi until he had developed his own sense of taste The art gallery in his country nized as an important collection Not only had he befriendedartists in London, but he was a patron of lesser-known painters who showed promise

“I suppose you think that owning the Van Dyck makes you a cultured an had outbid him at the auction

“No,at the earl's frosty annoyance “Just a fortunate one”

Rochester had struggled to find a scathing reply “You've done quite well for someone who makes a spectacle of himself to entertain the masses”

“It's called ‘acting,’” Logan had said gently, his s had been able to di Rochester had wanted so badly

The old ers, circus performers…they're all the same to me”

“Just why does an had asked “Would you prefer that I'd stayed on your land and become a farmer like my father?”

“Far on stage like a trained monkey”

“But not nearly as profitable,” Logan had replied, going to collect his painting

There had been few satisfactions in his life to coe that he had finally beco uphill clis to make some risky investan had educated hih it had been considerably less interesting The pursuit of eois, but there was no other choice The kind of life he wanted required a great deal of nore the disdain of aristocrats who had inherited their fortunes rather than earned them Let Rochester sneer and call hian owned the Van Dyck and any other da he wanted

Bringing his thoughts to the present, Logan rubbed the back of his neck and wandered out of the office He headed toward the painter's shop, intending to inspect the latest work on a set of flats The sound of voices drifted into the hallway,him pause One of them was unmistakably Andrehile the other…the feminine tone sent a ripple of sensation down his spine

Logan felt his fingers curling until his fists were balled at his sides He should have known that Andreould take notice of Madeline Ridley if she were anywhere in the vicinity It doesn't matter, he tried to tell hi the sound of their voices to the library, he entered without knocking

Andreas leaning against a bookcase, talking affably while Madeline sorted through stacks of volumes on the library table She looked very solden-brown hair had coainst her face and throat Standing before the worn books and dusty shelves, she seeht in the less room

“Mr Scott,” Madeline said with a sin an inventory of the library collection”

Logan ignored her and focused a level gaze on Andrew “I thought you were leaving”

“I was…but then I happened upon this char, “She's not an actress, by the way” It was a pointed rean's edict had been to stay away from the Capital Theatre's actresses—not any of the other employees

The desire to wrap his hands around Andrew's fleshy throat was very strong “Let o near anyone orks for me in any capacity Do you understand?”

“Oh, I understand very well” Andrew grinned at Logan “Excuse me, I believe my presence is de trop” As he an, “She's not in your usual style, is she?”

Logan didn't reply, only kept his gaze on Madeline When Andrew had gone and all sound had faded, he spoke in a soft growl “Go home, Miss Ridley”

Madeline was puzzled and defensive It seely displeased him “Mr Scott, I didn't invite Lord Drake's attentions He happened to see me as he passed the library, and he was Very courteous His only intention was to assist me”

A bright, cold flare appeared in Scott's blue eyes “He was trying to assist you out of your clothes and into his bed If you're too simpleminded to realize that, let irls like you on a regular basis You'll get nothing from him except a session of slap and tickle, and most likely a belly swollen with his bastard If that's your desire, pursue it by all means—but you won't do so at my theater”

Madeline flushed “Why isn't it possible that he waspolite?”

“Because a girl like you doesn't inspire politeness in aemphasis on the word

Madeline stiffened and walked away fro by hi that I've behaved in an iasp as he reached for her, his large hands seehly he pulled her to face him

“I'…”

He fell silent, staring at her for a long aze flickered to the tiny movement She wondered if he desired her, and what she should do to encourage him Her heart skipped several beats as she realized that he was staring at her as if he intended to devour her just as he had accused Lord Drake of doing

Her fingers tree to touch his face, to explore the scratchy surface where his beard had begun to grow…the bold shape of his nose, the arches of his brows…the hard, wide ainst hers…she wanted to lose herself in his arms

Scott let go of her with a suddenness that nearly caused her to fall backward His face turned blank “Forgive me,” he said in a monotone “My behavior was uncalled for”

Madeline's knees eak There was a throbbing sensation in the pit of her storipped the side to keep herself steady “I…” Her lips were strangely dry, and she ain “I won't speak to Lord Drake again, Mr Scott”

“Do what you like,” he said flatly “I have no right to object to your choice of companions”

Bewildered, Madeline stared at his profile One moment he had been in a fury, and the next he was co, missed some opportunity that a woe of As a seductress, she was an utter failure

She waited for hi It appeared that every htly bunched It see some tremendous inner battle